Is your home in need of some custom home improvements? Whether it’s knocking out a wall to create an open-concept living space or installing new flooring, big changes can come with big costs. Before you start any home improvement projects, make sure you’re aware of the potential pitfalls and how to avoid them. Here’s what you need to know.
Custom home improvements can be a great way to increase the value of your home, but it’s important to do your research first.
The first mistake people tend to make is just diving into a home improvement project without doing their research. Before you start any home improvement, it’s important to have an idea of what your goal is for the project.
For example, if you want to knock out part of a kitchen wall to create an open plan living space, make sure there are no load-bearing beams or other structural elements behind the wall. If you’re planning to update your flooring, first do a little research on what types of flooring are available and how much they cost. This way you’ll have a better understanding of whether it’s actually worth doing the project before you start.
There are a lot of options when it comes to customizing your home, so you’ll need to decide what’s important to you
Another mistake people make is trying to do too much in one home improvement project. As you start researching your options, it’s important to think about what’s really important to you and what you actually need.
For example, maybe your priority is modernizing the kitchen by updating appliances and installing new flooring. But maybe replacing cabinets would be a nice touch – and something you’d appreciate – but, at the end of the day, it’s not really necessary. That said, if adding an extra bedroom is a priority for you and your family, that’s definitely worth looking into even if there’s another project with higher priority.
Make sure you budget for your improvements and allow enough time for the project to be completed properly
A lot of custom home improvement projects can come with a higher price tag than you might expect because it takes time to complete them. The average kitchen renovation takes 10 weeks, for example, and addition can take anywhere from six months to a year to build.
So whether the priority is to finish the project as quickly as possible or take things slow and make sure the job is done well, make sure you set aside enough time for it. Then plan to keep your home in good shape during the project – don’t have a newborn baby, for example, if you’re adding a second story.
Get multiple estimates and compare prices
One of the most important things to do is get multiple estimates. That way you can better compare prices and quality of work.
For example, if you want to update your bathroom tiles, it’s worth getting at least three different quotes for the job so that you know what range to expect. Then look carefully at each quote – not just the price but also how long they expect the project to take, what materials they plan to use, their warranty length or how much experience they have working with specific types of tiles.
What should be in an estimate or quotation:
- Materials costs (for example tile, flooring)
- Labor cost (the number of people needed for the project)
- Warranty length (some contractors will waive their warranty if they complete the entire project or after a period of time)
- Project timing (usually expressed in weeks for large projects, but expect it to take longer than you think)
- Payment schedule (some contractors require a large deposit and weekly payments, others ask for one lump sum)
Make sure you have all the necessary permits in place before work begins
Permits are important because they ensure that your custom home improvements project is completed according to code, protecting your health and safety as well as that of your family and neighbors.
So before you do any kind of home improvement project, make sure you check whether permits are required. Don’t assume they aren’t necessary because you’re doing a small project – one coat of paint on the walls or installing new countertops won’t require legal approval but more extensive work will need to be checked.
What permits should you get in Maple Ridge:
Building permits – if you’re adding a room or doing foundation work
Electrical permits – to install light fixtures, fans, and more complicated electrical units
Plumbing permits – so the water flow of your plumbing system can be checked for strength and leaks
Enforcing building codes is the responsibility of local authorities. What happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors – but that doesn’t mean you’ll avoid a fine if your home improvement project isn’t up to code.
So dig out any old permits from the past, double-check with local authorities and consult a professional before starting work.
Always hire a qualified contractor who has liability insurance
It’s also crucial to always hire professionals for any custom home improvement project, even if you’re only hiring them temporarily. There are just too many technicalities that you don’t have the expertise to deal with yourself, so it’s best to leave it up to the experts.
What should you look for in a contractor:
Legal liability insurance – protects you in case the contractor’s employees are injured at your home, or if someone is hurt by a faulty product they installed for example
References from past clients – make sure their experience was positive and that they were happy with the work done
A strong portfolio of completed projects – this will give you an idea of the contractor’s expertise and their ability to work with a variety of materials
Written contracts – so there is never any confusion about what you’ve agreed upon
If the contractor doesn’t have these things, don’t take the job. Get someone who can do it right from day one, so there are no regrets afterward.
Get references from friends and family members who have had similar projects done in their homes:
If they are happy with the work, chances are you will be too. Make sure you have all the necessary permits in place before work begins. Always use a qualified contractor who has liability insurance. For example, if you’re looking to build an addition for your home or just want to update your kitchen appliances, always get several estimates from professionals in the field.
Stay on top of the progress of your project and make sure the contractor is meeting your expectations:
You are paying for their expertise, so make sure you use it!
Make sure you have all the necessary permits in place before work begins. Always use a qualified contractor who has liability insurance. Get multiple estimates and compare prices. Make sure you have enough time to finish the project properly. Hire professionals for any custom home improvement project. Get references from family and friends.
What progress points should you check:
Is the work being done according to schedule?
Does your contractor allow you into the job site during work hours?
Are there any safety concerns that need to be addressed with the contractor’s employees or subcontractors?
Does your contractor communicate well with clients about their service?
What permits do you need in Maple Ridge? Building permits – if you’re adding a room or doing foundation work Electrical permits – to install light fixtures, fans and more complicated electrical units Plumbing permits – so the water flow of your plumbing system can be checked for strength and leaks
Enforcing building codes is the responsibility of local authorities. What happens behind closed doors, stays behind closed doors – but that doesn’t mean you’ll avoid a fine if your home improvement project isn’t up to code.
Pay attention to detail – this is especially important during the final stages of construction:
You don’t want any flaws in the job.
If you follow these guidelines, you can enjoy your custom home improvement project and rest easy knowing that not only has it increased the value of your home but also protected your family and friends’ health and safety. And since you did everything right during the process, there won’t be any issues of regret afterwards.
What should you pay attention to during the final stages of the project:
Are the installation clean and clear?
Were there any accidents during installation?
Is everything installed according to code?
Did your contractor handle the project efficiently and meet your expectations?
Has your home’s value increased after undergoing home improvements?
All of this information should be discussed with the contractor before you sign a contract. There are many custom home improvement projects that homeowners can do themselves, like installing new flooring.
So, whether you’re wanting to update your home for a fresh start in the new year or simply want to increase its value before selling it, be sure to contact Maple Ridge Home Renovations. We can help you with every step of the process, from planning and designing to permits and construction. We take care of everything so that you can relax and enjoy your newly renovated home! Have any questions? Feel free to give us a call – we would love to hear from you.